MR. KNOW-IT-ALL

Realizing that he had only scratched the surface in his 2005 book, The Areas of My Expertise — notwithstanding the most comprehensive list of hobo names ever assembled — The Daily Show Resident Expert John Hodgman quickly commenced work on its follow-up, 2008’s More Information Than You Require. At last, the world’s collected knowledge is available to us in two convenient volumes. (We also recommend Hodgman’s TED.com talk, “A Brief Digression on Matters of Lost Time,” which offers compelling — and quite moving — evidence that we are not alone in the universe.) Rainy Day Books welcomes Hodgman tonight at 7, to dazzle his audience with facts, data, arcana and miscellany at Unity Temple on the Plaza (707 West 47th Street). Admission costs $15 plus tax and includes two tickets and a copy of More Information Than You Require, now in paperback; see rainydaybooks.com or call 913-384-3126.

Fri., Nov. 6, 2009